Best Airline Miles Credit Cards

Comparing the best credit cards for airline miles:

A closer look at the top airline credit cards:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rewards rate: 5X on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X on dining, 2X on all other travel purchases, plus more.

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.49% – 28.49% Variable

Signup bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Our verdict: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top pick for frequent travelers, offering high rewards on travel and dining with the potential to maximize points’ value when redeemed for travel. However, it comes with a modest annual fee and lacks an introductory APR offer. Nonetheless, the card’s benefits and flexibility make it an excellent choice for savvy travelers.

Pros:

• $750 value for sign-up bonus when redeemed for travel.
• 1:1 transfer to travel partners.
• Offers various travel and shopping protections.

Cons:

• $95 annual fee not waived in the first year.
• No introductory APR offers.
• The best travel earning rates apply only to bookings through Chase.

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and points don’t expire.

Intro APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days.

Regular APR: 18.24% to 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Signup bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days – can be a $250 statement credit for travel purchases.

Our verdict: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a valuable option for bargain-hunters. With no annual fee, flexible redemption choices, and a competitive rewards rate, it suits those who prefer easy-to-manage rewards. The generous 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers adds to its appeal, making it an excellent travel card with attractive features.

Pros:

• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
• Flexible redemption options for travel and dining purchases.
• Competitive rewards rate on all purchases.
• Generous 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.

Cons:

• Points worth less when redeemed for non-travel options like cash back.
• Limited options for transferring points to partner travel programs.

Apply now: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate: 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 19.99% to 29.99% (Variable)

Signup bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months – equal to $750 in travel.

Our verdict: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for travellers who seek simplicity and strong rewards. It offers a solid sign-up bonus and the convenience of earning 2 miles per dollar on all purchases without the hassle of memorizing bonus categories. The miles are versatile, redeemable for any hotel or airline purchase as a statement credit or transferable to multiple travel partners. However, some transfer ratios are less than 1:1, and major U.S. airlines are not included among Capital One’s airline partners.

Pros:

• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Flexible redemption options, including transfer to 15+ travel loyalty programs.
• Complimentary visits to Capital One Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network.

Cons:

• Reward miles lose value when redeemed for statement credits or checks.
• No intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.

Apply now: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Rewards rate: Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.99% to 29.99% Variable

Signup bonus: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in your first 6 months.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.

Our verdict: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a solid choice for Delta loyalists who want to enjoy elite-like benefits without the high annual fee typically associated with premium travel cards. With a welcome offer of 65,000 bonus miles and ongoing perks like a first checked bag free, priority boarding, and a $100 Delta Flight Credit, the card provides value for casual Delta travellers. However, it may not be the best choice for those who don’t frequently fly with Delta or are looking for more extensive premium travel benefits. Overall, this card strikes a good balance for Delta travellers who want to enhance their flying experience without committing to a high annual fee.

Pros:

• Decent welcome offer with bonus miles.
• First checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Priority boarding.
• $100 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 on purchases in a calendar year.
• 20% back in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.

Cons:

• Limited premium travel benefits compared to other cards.
• Not ideal for those who don’t frequently fly with Delta.

Apply now: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Rewards rate: Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 22.49% – 29.49% Variable (depending on credit worthiness)

Annual fee: $550

Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Our verdict: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is an excellent option for travelers who appreciate luxury air travel benefits and are willing to pay a higher annual fee in exchange for premium rewards and travel perks. The card’s welcome offer, combined with the $300 Annual Travel Credit and high rewards rates on travel and dining expenses, can offset the annual fee for many cardholders. Additionally, the ability to transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs adds flexibility to redemption options. If you frequently travel and utilize airport lounges, this card can provide significant value. However, it may not be the best choice for those who don’t travel frequently or can’t take full advantage of the premium travel benefits.

Pros:

• Generous welcome offer with valuable bonus points.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit to offset travel purchases.
• High rewards rate on travel and dining expenses.
• Flexible redemption options with Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Access to Priority Pass™ Select lounges and application fee credits for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®.

Cons:

• High annual fee ($550).
• Penalty APR if payments are missed.
• Balance transfer and cash advance fees.

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

How to choose the best airline credit card?

Follow the steps-

1. Consider your travel goals and preferences before choosing from the best airline credit cards.
2. Look for credit cards with generous sign-up bonuses to kickstart your miles accumulation.
3. Evaluate the earning potential on everyday spending to maximize miles accumulation.
4. Check for airline partnerships to access a broader range of travel options and destinations.
5. Ensure the redemption options provide flexibility for using your miles for flights and other travel expenses.
6. Pay attention to annual fees and benefits; make sure the perks outweigh the costs.
7. Read reviews and compare different airline credit cards to make an informed decision.
8. Choose a card that aligns with your needs and offers the best travel rewards for your lifestyle.

How much are airline miles worth?

The value of airline miles varies depending on factors like the airline’s award chart, the type of ticket, destination, and availability. On average, one airline mile is worth approximately 1 to 2 cents. However, the value can be higher when redeeming for premium cabins or during special promotions. Co-branded airline credit cards often provide additional value when using miles for flights with the associated airline. Flexibility in redemption, such as using miles for various travel expenses, can increase their overall worth. To determine the exact value of your airline miles, divide the cash price of a ticket by the number of miles required for redemption.

How to make the most out of your airline credit card?

To maximize your airline credit card benefits:

1. Start by choosing the best credit card for airline miles with generous sign-up bonuses to boost your miles accumulation from the beginning.
2. Use your airline credit card for everyday purchases to earn miles faster on regular expenses.
3. Strategically redeem your miles for high-value flights or last-minute bookings to get the most value from your rewards.
4. Take advantage of airline-specific perks such as free checked bags and priority boarding to enhance your travel experience.
5. Book flights directly with the airline using your credit card to earn additional miles for each purchase.
6. Stay alert for limited-time promotions and special offers to take advantage of extra rewards opportunities.
7. Make it a priority to pay off your credit card balance in full every month to avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score, enabling access to more credit card options.

By following these tips, you can optimize the advantages of your airline credit card and make the most out of your travel rewards.

Are airline credit cards worth it?

Deciding if airline credit cards are worth it depends on your travel preferences and spending habits. If you frequently fly with a specific airline, value premium perks, and want to earn miles quickly, the best airline miles credit card can be highly beneficial. However, if you prefer more flexibility in redeeming miles for various airlines or travel expenses, a general travel rewards credit card may be a better fit. Consider the annual fees and benefits; ensure that the value you receive surpasses the costs. Evaluating these factors will help you determine if an airline credit card aligns with your needs and offers worthwhile rewards

Learn more: Should You Get an Airlines Credit Card?

Methodology

Our research involved defining evaluation criteria, conducting market analysis, collecting data from official sources, comparing cards based on defined criteria, seeking expert input, considering customer reviews, verifying information, and creating concise content to present the best airline credit cards. This approach ensures reliable and relevant information for readers to make informed decisions.

The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.

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